Asphalt Shingles

GAF Roofing Shingles: Timberline Shingles Costs, Pros & Cons

GAF shingles are among the most popular asphalt roofing shingle brands in North America. While not necessarily considered the very best shingle brand, GAF shingles get good ratings from roofers and homeowners, and are considered a good value for the money at between $4.00 and $7.50 per square foot installed, depending on the shingle and accessory choices.

GAF Timberline Fox Hollow Gray shingles

The GAF Timberline shingles are the best-known of the brand’s products. The company makes complete asphalt roofing systems from underlayment to hip and ridge cap shingles.

This comprehensive GAF shingles guide includes a digest-style overview of available products, pros and cons, costs for shingles and accessories, and additional details to help you make an informed buying decision, as well as compare GAF to Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Atlas, and Malarkey roofing shingles.

This review starts with the GAF Timberline shingles and then moves to 3-tab shingles and premium Designer shingles.

GAF Timberline Shingles

GAF claims that its Timberline shingles are the “North America’s #1 selling shingle.”

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The Ultimate Guide to Architectural Shingles: Costs, Top Brands

Vocab Moment: To nip in the bud any potential confusion, architectural shingles are also called fiberglass, dimensional and laminate shingles, or a combination such as fiberglass laminate shingles. Top of the line architectural shingles are referred to as luxury, premium and designer shingles.

All these terms refer to the same type of asphalt shingles, and the reason for each name should become clear as we proceed.

Architectural Shingles vs. 3-tab Shingles

This is often the first decision homeowners think through. Let’s consider the specifics of cost, construction, and durability, so you’ll understand exactly what your choices are in the 3-tab vs architectural shingles debate.

IKO Armourshake WeatheredStone premium shingles roof – Source: Iko

Architectural shingles last 33% to 100% longer and cost 15% to 100% more depending on which products you are comparing. While the initial cost is higher, the better longevity means the lifetime value of dimensional shingles – cost per year of use – is roughly the same as 3-tab shingles.

Most homeowners believe that architectural shingles look better than 3-tabs which look flattish. The 3D look of architectural shingles is stemming from their raised profile, which better mimics cedar shakes and stone slate roofing tiles.

Now, let’s delve into specifics with respect to cost, durability, longevity, and more.

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CertainTeed vs Owens Corning Shingles Costs & Comparison

CertainTeed roofing shingles are known for superior quality that comes at a premium cost. However, CertainTeed’s most popular Landmark and Landmark Pro lines offer good affordability and value, comparing favorably against flagship roofing products from GAF and Owens Corning.

CertainTeed Landmark Roof
Source: CertainTeed

Owens Corning is known for its excellent selection of mid-priced TruDefinition Duration shingles that compete against top sellers like GAF Timberline HDZ and Malarkey Vista shingles. OC produces a few premium options like Berkshire dimensional shingles, and Duration Storm (and Duration Flex) lines designed to withstand heavy weather and hailstones.

Both CertainTeed and Owens Corning also make a single, decent-quality basic line of 3-tab shingles – Owens Corning Supreme vs CertainTeed XT25 shingles.

Let’s dig into essential considerations when comparing CertainTeed and Owens Corning shingles.

Quality and Dependability

Many roofing contractors and independent testing agencies agree that CertainTeed and Owens Corning are #1 and #2 when it comes to quality – and the brands change places depending on who does the rating.

A look at the most recent Consumer Reports ratings on asphalt shingles shows that Owens Corning and CertainTeed dominate the rankings with more products than GAF, Atlas, Tamko, and IKO.

OC takes the top spot in the standard architectural shingles tier and in the luxury/premium shingles category. That’s a huge statement about the quality Owens Corning delivers and the longevity you can expect.

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